new to workouts/weight loss...Especially seeking supplement advice

[C.S.E.]

Currently it's been almost 3 weeks since I quit smoking, quit drinking all together a few months back. Have since been eating healthy, basically meats and salads, and fish, and have started moderately exercising.
Been using smith machine, free weights, heavy bag, and treadmill in basement along with doing anything else I can think of such as getting creative with the different crunches, etc.

Now my main desire...I'm 26, 5'9, medium build, down to about 230pds now, fair amount is muscle, but I want to lose as much fat as possible while I am building muscle mass.

I was wondering what supplements, even down to the specific brands, in your opinions would be the best for my situation as I'm truly committed to this lifestyle change, figure it's best to get advice from people who have been in my situation instead of trying to re-invent the wheel.

Thanks for the help in advance!

 

[immrtlwun]

Well I work at GNC, but I'm not gonna push any of the GNC products in particular. Having a good diet is key, but since you say you're on your way with that, I would start with some type of protein supplement, specifically a whey protein, as it gets into your body faster than any of the other types of proteins. If you're working out, protein is going to help you gain muscle, and muscle burns more calories at resting heart rate than fat does, so this will definitely help you lose some more weight.
A lot of people take a thermogenic like Hydroxycut Hardcore to help boost metabolism, give you added energy and stuff like that, but I feel that is kinda of optional depending on how much you want to spend on your transformation.
For your situation, I would start with a protein and maybe down the line (as in a month or two, after you see how well you stick to your plans) look into other muscle building supplements like creatine or a nitric oxide booster. Thermogenics and weight loss supplements are truly optional based on how quickly you want to lose the weight.
As far as cost goes, you can get a good protein supplement (40+ grams per serving) for around $50 for about a month supply, so its not a huge investment if you fail to come through on your plans. You spend most of your money when you get into things like creatine or nitric oxide boosters which can cost anywhere from $70 on up for month or two.

 

[C.S.E.]

Appreciate you taking the time for the advice...Funny you mention Hydroycut, I've been taking one form of that for a few months as well as Mega Green-T (the kind with the caffeine especially as I don't drink coffee), and I'd like to think those are adding some benefit. Obviously I would like to see the weight come off as quickly as possible given that it is safe and healthy.

Just to give you an idea, over the past approx. 2 months I've lost about 10 pds., would like to see it much quicker considering what I am shooting for and what I was back before I really slacked off from eating right and working out properly I weighed about 160 (now 160 was about 5 years back), but I'm certainly commited to improving my whole lifestyle, even working for myself now so I have time to fully devote myself to this process.

Now I know the muscle toning will take much longer to develop than the weight loss, but out of curiosity how soon would it be reasonable to expect myself back at least under 170, ( I am 5'9/230 now)

And to recap, esentially right now my best bet would be to stick with Hydroycut and to start with some protein powder, and specific type?

Thanks again for all your help!!

 

[immrtlwun]

Yeah, stick with your Hydroxycut, since you're already it. I didn't know how much money you were looking to invest into the whole process. As far as protein goes, I would go for one that has at least 40 grams of protein per serving. GNC's brand Wheybolic Extreme 60 has 60 grams of protein per serving and all of the amino acids you need to process that protein the best. I think Muscletech's protein, I forget the name, has around 40 grams of protein and also has the amino acids. Those are the two best in my opinion.
As far as the weight loss goes, you will probably be at it for at least a year before you get back down into the 170 or 180 range. But if you stick with it, it will happen. One of the guys that I work with used to weigh 300 pounds of primarily fat, but now he's like 190 and solid muscle. You don't want to lose more than a couple 2 or 3 pounds a week though. Thats how you end up with stretch marks and all that extra skin. If you keep the weight loss to a couple pounds a week, your skin will naturally shrink back with limited stretch marks and whatnot.

 

[Treetz]

Why would you start that early in your process with supplements? Using supplements in this stage is only because you want to speed up things but you have to accept that things like this take time.

When you get your food scheme, training scheme and enough sleep you wouldn't need any supplements. Maybe after three years of serious training you can consider taking supps untill then do it all by yourself!

There is enough information in the vault on this site to start cutting down. Basic training like squat, deadlift, millitairy press, bench press, pull ups and ab workout combined with enough cardio will get you there!

 

[I-tallionStallion]

Fish oil is a very important supplement when trying to lose weight. I'd say 10-25 grams a day. This depends on money of course.

Also I'd do one or the other diets you see below...make sure you have a good workout too. I highly recommend Westside Barbell style.

1: Anabolic diet
2: TCD (Timed carb diet)

Good luck. Go on Stronglifts.com or Ironaddicts.com for more info on the diets

 

[C.S.E.]

specific brand & type?

Appreciate all the advice so far...Any specific brand and type of fish oil...getting rather lost with what to get, I'm not so much concerned with the price but the positive effects.

The reason I don't go to a store and ask is I know they will only be pushing whatever is in their best interest, and most likely won't be as knowledgeable.

Thanks again!